Stay Woke: An Analysis of How Referees Evaluate the In-Game Communication of a Historically Black College and University that Competes in a Predominantly White Institution Conference

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the personal fouls that were called against a historically black college and university (HBCU) that athletically participates in a conference which is comprised of predominantly white institutions (PWIs). The study introduction provided an overview of Tennessee State University (TSU) as it relates to their involvement in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). The cultural approach to organizations served as the communication-centric theoretical frame while the previous literature on referee bias was reviewed. The criterion of personal fouls per game (PFPG) was examined. Z-score analyses revealed that referees called more PFPG against the HBCU of TSU in men’s college basketball relative to the number of PFPG that were called against the PWI conference teams in the OVC. A similar effect was observed in women’s college basketball. Theoretical implications for the cultural approach to organizations were noted in the study discussion as were practical implications for TSU and other HBCUs.